Cayman Islands kicked off the International Rugby Board World Cup 2011 with the shimmering cup proudly on display.
To be the host country for such a special match was a humbling experience.
On a glorious sunny day at the Truman Bodden Complex, a healthy Sunday morning crowd witnessed Trinidad & Tobago fly-half Brendan O’Farrell kicking off the Rugby World Cup 2011 qualifying on the stroke of 10.30am and it was his side that enjoyed all the early play.
Cayman were humbled by the well-disciplined Trinis who seemed to run in tries at will towards the end. The match was effectively over by half-time. At least Cayman had the satisfaction of scoring two tries. Matt Bishop bundled over to get the first and youngster Stuart McMillan the other with a theatrical dive.
Trinidad opened the scoring after just seven minutes when right wing Kidone Silverthorn dived over in the right hand corner to claim the first points of RWC 2011 qualifying.
They continued to dominate the first quarter of the game and enjoyed the majority of possession and territory. Indeed, they displayed superior skills up front and in possession retention, and better handling behind the scrum. This resulted in another try with captain and No.8 Adam Frederick crossing the Cayman line after 20 minutes. The try was converted by O’Farrell to make it 12-0.
It took just another four minutes for the Trinis to score their third try when left wing Andre Cabera finished off a lovely move by the backline to score in the corner.
Trinidad’s dominance continued for the rest of the half with Cayman rarely venturing into the opposition half. However resolute defence by the Cayman Islands meant they went into the break only 17-0 down.
Trini flanker Robert Stone finished off strong mauling and driving play by his forwards early in the second half to extend their lead.
This followed the visitors opting for a kick to the corner after a penalty against Cayman for offside and an unstoppable driving maul from the lineout led to Stone crashing over with the support of his pack to make it 22-0.
The local crowd of around 600, who had enjoyed little to cheer up to that point, were given some hope when Cayman reserve lock Bishop crossed near the posts following a quick tap option from a penalty under the posts by scrum half Tony Elliott. Cayman wing McMillan converted to make it 22-7.
Cayman’s progress in the match was hampered by their lineout which was constantly under pressure, but a clever kicking game gave them territory and opportunities.
Ron Arscott, the Cayman reserve prop was called into action on 25 minutes. Arscott is 59 and is one of the oldest players ever to see RWC action, having also played in the last RWC qualifying tournament.
Cayman tried to open up the game in search of a score to bring them back into the match, but Trinidad capitalised on an open field mistake and scored their fifth try through full back Kelson Fugaro. The conversion by O’Farrell made it 29-7.
Ronald Silvertorne, one of their replacements, continued the scoring with a fine try to make it 34-7 after excellent handling by the three-quarters and a quick ruck on the Cayman line.
With players getting tired and spaces opening up, Trinidad replacement back Miguel Laro ran 40 yards to score brilliantly another try for his side with five minutes remaining.
However, Cayman heads had not dropped and McMillan scored the final try of the game in the right corner following a strong run by Arscott to the loudest cheer of the day.
This was the first of four matches on the first day of the tournament, which also doubles as the Caribbean Championship.
In the second game, Guyana defeated the gigantic Jamaican side 10-3 to join Trinidad in the semi finals. Bermuda will join them at that stage tomorrow at the rugby club in South Sound after a 29-13 defeat of Bahamas in match three and Barbados’ last-gasp 21-20 win over Mexico secured their berth in the semis.
Brave Mexico fall just short of upset. Mexico, without a world ranking and in their first-ever Rugby World Cup qualifying match, were minutes away from a stunning upset over Barbados, ranked 60th in the world.
Mexico led 20-18 before Barbados kicked a penalty to snatch the lead with minutes left. Mexico had the opportunity to win it in the last minute but full back Septien’s kick just drifted right.
The four semi-finalists are Trinidad & Tobago v Guyana and Bermuda v Barbados.
Cayman go into the Bowl semis: Cayman Islands v Jamaica (10.30am kick-off) and Bahamas v Mexico.
CAYMAN ISLANDS: R Tressider; K Wright, M Livingston, S Hannan, S McMillan; C Bunce, T Elliot; C Law, S Gerrard, J Rew; J Bovell, M de Toil; J Wagner [c], S Bacon, P de Vere. Reserves: T Stewart, R Arscott, B Tressider, J Clark, M Bishop, M Cumber, J Doak
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: K Fugaro; K Silverthorn, D Smaggs, K Aamensen, A Cabera; B O’Farrell; B Yelming; A Frederick [c], R Stone, K Quashie; J Clark, P Bacchus; S Roberts, F Guerra, D Martinez. Reserves: R Anandsingh, M Laro, J Joseph, C Gellingham, R Silverthorne, W Kelly, C Felix
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